Presenter Information

Presenter Major(s)

Geology

Mentor Information

Patricia Videtich, videticp@gvsu.edu

Department

Geology

Location

Kirkhof Center KC30

Start Date

13-4-2011 3:00 PM

End Date

13-4-2011 4:00 PM

Keywords

Physical Science

Abstract

The Upper Ordovician Fairview Formation, part of the Cincinnati Arch region, overlies the Kope Formation. Our samples were collected from northern Kentucky and will be analyzed using three hand samples and thin sections. Methods include a series of six point counts using a petrographic microscope, sample classification and fossil identification. In the literature opposing models have been proposed for shelly interbeds in mud in the Fairview Formation. The "storm winnowing model" proposes that the development of the shelly interbeds can be attributed to storm reworking. Alternatively, the "episodic starvation model" suggests that the shelly interbeds form over long periods of time with low rates of sedimentation of fine sediments. This is coupled with brief periods of high sedimentation rates, which deposits the mud. After deposition, storms erode the shell beds and mud layers. We will use our results to determine which model of deposition our data best supports.

The Upper Ordovician Fairview Formation, part of the Cincinnati Arch region, overlies the Kope Formation. Our samples were collected from northern Kentucky and will be analyzed using three hand samples and thin sections. Methods include a series of six point counts using a petrographic microscope, sample classification and fossil identification. In the literature opposing models have been proposed for shelly interbeds in mud in the Fairview Formation. The "storm winnowing model" proposes that the development of the shelly interbeds can be attributed to storm reworking. Alternatively, the "episodic starvation model" suggests that the shelly interbeds form over long periods of time with low rates of sedimentation of fine sediments. This is coupled with brief periods of high sedimentation rates, which deposits the mud. After deposition, storms erode the shell beds and mud layers. We will use our results to determine which model of deposition our data best supports.